Study in Morocco - About Morocco

General Information

Area: 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles)

Population: 26,069,000 (1993 estimate)

Capital: Rabat

Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France)

Ethnicity/Race: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Language: The official language is Arabic, Berber and French are widely spoken throughout the country, while Spanish is more predominant in the northern regions. English is also understood particularly in the north and around Agadir

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (DH) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denomination of DH 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denomination of DHS 5 and 1 and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes. Credit cards: Major credit cards are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Eurocard, Amex, Diners Club..)

Religion: Predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. Morocco's population and culture stems from a cross section of origins including Berbers, Arabs, Moors and Jews.

Time: GMT

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Lamp sockets are screw-type, and there is a wide range of wall sockets.

Geography

Geography: Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the west. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountains range, which leads to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3000 m (9850 ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The ports of Ceuta and Melilla on the north coast are administered by Spain.

Climate: The coast as a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the South of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, with the nights coolest in the months of December and January. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas. Mostly dry with high temperatures in summer. Cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21 C the winter

Morocco Government

Government Structure: The Government is composed of the Prime Minister and the Ministers:
* It is answerable to the King and to the Chamber of Representatives, ensures the implementation of the law and has the use of the administration.
* The Prime Minister is appointed by the King;
- He initiates laws;
-He has the regulatory power;
-He is charged with coordinating ministerial activities.
* The Government members are appointed by the King on the proposition of the Prime Minister.
* The Prime Minister may ask for a vote of confidence in the Chamber of Representatives, on a statement of general policy or the vote on a bill.
* The Chamber of Representatives may call into question the responsibility of the Government by passing a censure motion.

Head of State: His Majesty King Mohammed VI

Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdellatif FILALI (since 29 May 1994)

Heritage and CultureE

Heritage and Traditions of Morocco:

As in other Muslim countries, a traditional Moroccan wedding ceremony lasts from four to seven days.

On her wedding day, it is a Moroccan wedding custom for the bride to have a ceremonial purification milk bath before a ritual henna painting (Beberiska) of her hands and feet. Originally, this purification and painting was the wedding ceremony in Arab lands some 200 years ago. Modern Morrocan brides continue this tradition by annointing the palm of guests with a unique smear, called the henna. Before she is dressed in her wedding dress, another woman arranges her hair, applies her make-up and puts on her jewelry. The bride also wears an elaborate headpiece with a veil.

Once the couples wedding vows have been exchanged, and before the newlywed Moroccan bride becomes the mistress of her new home, she walks around the outside of her house three times.

Communication

Telephone:

Mobile telephone: During the last decade, Moroccan telecommunication system has undergone major structural transformations. As it is important to be on the cutting edge of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to be globally competitive, the Moroccan government has thrust ICTs into the forefront of national socio-economic development. The Moroccan government has embarked on institutional reform and on genuine telecommunications policies. In addition, it has allocated a substantial amount of budget to improve and promote the progress of ICTs throughout the country, by upgrading and expanding the telecommunications infrastructure and also by popularising the use of the ICTs in the various sectors of the Moroccan society.

Internet: During the last decade, Moroccan telecommunication system has undergone major structural transformations. As it is important to be on the cutting edge of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to be globally competitive, the Moroccan government has thrust ICTs into the forefront of national socio-economic development. The Moroccan government has embarked on institutional reform and on genuine telecommunications policies. In addition, it has allocated a substantial amount of budget to improve and promote the progress of ICTs throughout the country, by upgrading and expanding the telecommunications infrastructure and also by popularising the use of the ICTs in the various sectors of the Moroccan society. [1].

Post: Air mail letters normally take at least five days to reach Morocco. British exporters are advised to despatch all mail by air, using PO box numbers wherever possible.

Press:

Radio Stations:

Television:

Satellite TV:

(Sources:Morocco Today)